Socialize

The Fifth Annual African Union (AU) Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance in Africa opens today in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.

The dialogue will be held from 23-26 November, and Vice President of Tanzania, Mr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, will grace the opening ceremony.

The dialogue is part of celebrations to mark the 10th Anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights; 13 years of the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women; 15 years of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; 29 years of African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights; and 35 years of the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The AU has declared 2016 as the ‘African Year of Human Rights’ with particular focus on the rights of women.

African Court President, Hon. Justice Sylvain Orě, underscored that the dialogue would provide an opportunity to consolidate the gains already made over the years and ensure better coordination of human rights bodies on the continent, based on the ideals encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063.

“It is hoped that the celebrations will initiate an advocacy and coordinating campaigns that will effectively reach out to African stakeholders and partners at all levels,” he added.

The dialogue is expected to be attended by about 300 delegates, including representatives of AU Member States; members of the African Governance Platform; academia, researchers, distinguished African statesmen/women; civil society organisations, media, international partners and youth organisations, among others.